Overview & Reviews

Volkswagen is an automaker based in Germany. Its products typically command a higher price than those of competing models, but the return is a more upscale driving and ownership experience.

In 1934, Ferdinand Porsche was commissioned to build a small, inexpensive car at the request of Adolph Hitler. His answer -- a beetle-shaped sedan that was called a Volkswagen (German for "people's car") -- debuted two years later. Hitler had a town built near the plant for factory workers; he named it Kraft durch Freude Stadt (derived from the Nazi party's motto, "Joy through Strength"), and soon decided that Porsche's creation should be named the KdF-wagen (short for the "Joy through Strength" car). This upset Porsche, who was not political.

World War II delayed production of the vehicle; the factory suffered extensive damage during combat, and was ultimately taken over by the British Army. The company was renamed Volkswagen, and the town at the factory was renamed Wolfsburg (after Werner von Schulenberg of Wolfsburg, who had been forced to surrender his land for the construction of the town and factory). By the end of the 1940s, mass production of the Volkswagen Beetle had begun. The model made its first appearance on U.S. shores in 1949.

The 1950s saw Volkswagen broadening its product range, adding the Bus (Type 2) to its lineup. The Bus, especially, proved quite popular due to its versatility. And the Beetle, which went on to become the best-selling car of all time, quickly showed signs of being an enduring favorite, with more than 1 million models produced at the Wolfsburg factory by 1955. This decade also saw the debut of the Karmann Ghia sports car, which featured a sleek, Italian-designed two-seater body atop a Beetle platform.

Volkswagen's star rose during the 1960s, its success fueled largely by the breakout success of the Beetle. The car benefited from an effective advertising campaign and from an appearance in a popular Disney movie. By the close of the decade, Volkswagen's yearly output of Beetles topped the 1 million mark.

In 1972, with more than 15 million units assembled, the Beetle topped the world production record set by Ford's Model T. Mid-decade saw the launch of a new era of Volkswagens that had front-mounted, water-cooled engines driving the front wheels. The Passat (Dasher in the U.S.) was the first of the new breed and was built using standardized components that could be used interchangeably among other models in the manufacturer's lineup. The Passat was soon joined by the Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.), which met with immediate success. By the end of the decade, the manufacturer's lineup had grown to include the Scirocco sport coupe and the performance-oriented Golf/Rabbit GTI. The Beetle, however, was discontinued for the U.S. market.

The Golf grew in popularity during the '80s, becoming Volkswagen's most popular model. When a second generation of the car was built in 1983, it was crafted in a mostly automated process using robots -- marking the first time robots had been used in vehicle manufacture. By the mid-'80s, the U.S. version traded the Rabbit name for "Golf." The higher-performance Golf GTI helped the manufacturer make waves on the rally circuit. In 1986, Volkswagen Motorsport nabbed the title of Group A World Rally Champions.

Volkswagen saw its sales in the North American market tumble during the early '90s, but by the end of the decade, refocused marketing efforts and an increased emphasis on new products had brought about a turnaround in the company's fortunes. The popular New Beetle helped put the company back on the radar in the United States (though it fared less successfully in European markets). The body style was based on the classic Beetle, and it struck a chord with consumers who still had a place in their hearts for the iconic, cheerful-looking "love bug."

The new millennium saw Volkswagen moving into the luxury segment with the launch of the pricey Phaeton sedan and Touareg SUV. Though well-designed and executed, the Phaeton was a disappointment sales-wise, perhaps signaling unwillingness on the part of consumers to shell out premium dollars for a brand that lacks the cachet of established upscale names like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Luckily, Volkswagen has seen success with other vehicles in its lineup, which currently includes everything from family-oriented sedans to roomy SUVs. Today, the automaker enjoys a reputation for crafting vehicles that offer refined handling and upscale accommodations.

User Reviews:

• 

  Would not purchase again - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By j__c - November 11 - 6:30 am

  I purchased this 2013 TDI SEL Premium in October 2013. It already had one owner and 32k miles. I now have 45k miles on the car. Fuel mileage is about 40 MPG with 60% hwy 40% city.

• 

  My Review - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Patman89 - November 10 - 11:50 pm

  Ive had my 1999 Red New Beetle for almost two years now... The first year I never had any problems! But my car overheated and dummy me I kept driving with the red coolant light on for about 20 minutes on interstate 80. Luckily no serious damaged was done, but I paid $1100 for labor and the replacements. But I love my Beetle, I really want a newer one thats redesigned, Im always jealous when I see them. Ive been lucky to not have major problems. However, the sun visors on the top do not block the sun at all! The cup holders dont work well since its under the dashboard. And I notice my seats are that comfy compared to a 2005 model and for long drives my back hurts.

• 

  Great car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By GregT55 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  The best car Ive ever driven, and it looks great too!

• 

  Cant quit driving! - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By besttoro - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my car! Traded in a 98 Nissan Pathfinder for this car that fits my needs more. I got Tiptronic and luxury pkg, although I was planning on just buying basic + cold weather pkg- now Im hooked on the sunroof. This car handles great. The quick pickup is something else- its truly a pocket rocket! I test drove Acura RSX w/ manumatic trans, but that was boring. This car is so much fun to drive- it picks up my mood! Sure, the cup holders in a stupid place (over stereo) but I forgive it since I like other things so much. You can buy a cupholder tray that fits in your armrest from VW accessories web site, which I promptly did :-)

• 

  Run for the hills - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Therese Barnhardt - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive only owned the car for a short time and already it has been in the shop twice. My old faithful of 12 years never left me carless and yet I have been without this new car for a total of 6 days. First time, the air injection pump went out. Not cheap! This time the booster and main cylinder in the brakes. Not cheap and a safety factor. Dont buy!

• 

  The Best - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Carlocho - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best compact sedan right now!

• 

  Fun, But Not For Golfers - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tooch - November 10 - 10:00 am

  The car is a blast to drive, and has a good stock stereo system.

• 

  2000 Jetta TDI Love affair - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jlarm3 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Jetta TDI is a marvelous car and gives great economy. We get 39 city and 42 highway. We dont "baby" it, but rather, drive is pretty hard. We have put 53,000 miles on it in 13 months of driving. Very happy with the ride quality and the solid feel of the car. Only 2 complaints!!! 1. Why so short an interval on the timing belt change? Calls for change at 40,000 miles (w/auto trans). I was not made aware of this requirement until after I bought the car, and was surprised at frequency and cost. 2. Front bumper too low. Dont park within 5 feet of the concrete stops or curbs. You will pull off the bumper cover every time!

• 

  Oil, Oil, Oil... - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Julie - November 9 - 9:46 pm

  This was the first NEW car I have bought. At my first manufacturer suggested oil change, I was surprised to be a quart and a half low. I fought with the dealership for 8,000 miles about the oil consumption on this car - which they claimed was normal for a VW because "the engine runs hot". At 13,000 miles, they finally gave in and rehoned the cylinders and replaced the pistons. But that still did not solve the problem. Ive just about given up my fight since the car has now been out of waranty for 30,000 miles. I have to replace a quart every 1,000 miles now, and my current mechanic says soon it will be a quart every 300-400 miles. Its so unfortunate because I like the car otherwise. Dont bother with VW.

• 

  How are all reviewers faring from 06&07? - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jon - November 8 - 9:26 pm

  My Passat has been a major disappointment. Ive had all types of problems: electrical/engine warning lights, stereo volume, door locking, a/c, when driving and sunroof is open it makes a horrible sound, air quality, brake inefficiency, fuel cap, the list goes on. Ironically, my car is an 06, I have a 39 mo lease and only have 24,000 miles on it. From a comparison standpoint, my 2003 Pathfinder has 50k miles, and I have only had to change the tires & brake pads. To top it off, you cant buy wipers anywhere!